The Difference Between Psycho-Educational (Static) Assessment and the Learning Propensity Assessment Device (Dynamic Assessment)

There are four main differences that we will examine and contrast between a standard Psych-Ed evaluation and the Dynamic Assessment (DA) that we provide. These are:

1. Assessment Tools
2. Assessment Situation
3. Product verses Process Orientation
4. Interpretation of the Outcomes

1. Assessment Tools

Static Assessment

The tools of the static assessment are built with the aim of examining a child’s present levels of knowledge, expertise, and skill. It is expected that the child will respond spontaneously according to the criteria of age and developmental norms that have been established. The tools are not intended, and are not capable of, showing the cause or the lack of capability detected in the test. Static tests are constructed in such a way that no learning will take place. The examiner in no way will intervene to assist the child with answers; doing so will invalidate the results.

Dynamic Assessment

Dynamic Assessment tools are constructed in a way to include situations that are openly intended for learning. A DA is based on the existence of a learning process, because this is the process we wish to evaluate. In other words: we evaluate the child’s learning processes while they are in a learning situation. The varied DA tools enable the examiner to analyze the propensity of the child to learn and to think, and then analyzes the changes that have taken place in their thinking ability following the examiners intervention. The DA is not concerned with informational questions that the child may know; it is concerned with examining their thinking processes.

2. Assessment Situation

Static Assessment

In a static assessment the role of the examiner is to look for what is "fixed, permanent, and unchanging" in the child. The need is to create a standardization of the test conditions in order to establish its validity and reliability beyond time and the variations in the examinee. In static assessment, no action must be performed that might cause change in a child; the examiner is required to be passive and remote. The examiner must avoid giving any kind of hint to the child, even steering clear of giving feedback about functioning. The format is: test, record.

Dynamic Assessment

In DA there is no requirement for standardization. There are consistent rules and uniform, planned strategies for performing the diagnosis, but because we are comparing the child to themselves alone we do not need (or desire) to make the instructions of the assessment and the interaction between the child and the examiner sterile and standard. The format is: pretest, mediation/teach, retest. In DA the examiner will do everything in their power to create in the child the experience of modifiability. The examiner is in fact an active and involved mediator/teacher. The examiner is interested in the child’s success no less than the child is. Therefore, DA is most always a positive experience for the child.

3. Product verses Process Orientation

Static Assessment

Focus is on the outcomes of the tests (product). The examiner wants to know what the child knows and what they do not know, what the child achieved within an allocated time and what the child didn’t succeed in achieving in the allocated time. Even if the child knows the answer but didn’t arrive at it in the time allocated, this information is not significant from the standpoint of the examiner. The child is there in order to answer questions, not in order to ask questions.

Dynamic Assessment

DA does not produce or emphasize numerical scores. Focus is on the process that the child undergoes in the course of the assessment. We ask the questions: What is the process that made the child succeed or fail? What is the process through which the child can be modified? How can we bring about change in him/her? We are looking for signs of change, representing differences between pre-testing and post-testing. We teach a principle and want to know how the child will use it (apply it in their thinking) in a new situation that demands the ability to adapt and change (be modified/demonstrate modifiability). Questions are allowed, and in fact encouraged, as these can be indicators of change in the child’s thinking.

4. Interpretation of the Outcomes

Static Assessment

In static assessment the outcomes of the tests are summed up in quantitative terms; the number of correct answers as against the number of incorrect answers. The results are then analyzed statistically, with the examinee then given a placement or number relative to (the norms of) the results of examinees considered to be of a comparable nature (e.g. age of examinee). The norms are statistically derived indices such as averages, percentiles, standard scores, etc. from previous test results of other examinees of comparable nature (age).

Dynamic Assessment

The process that the child undergoes during a DA enables the examiner to gain an understanding of what had previously been poorly utilized or inaccessible to the child, and the extent that it has become incorporated within the repertoire of thinking skills. We examine not only the answers chosen by the child but also the reasons for the answers that were chosen. We examine the thinking process behind the choice of one answer or another. As a result, not only are we able to locate the high points of functioning but also the weaker points of functioning. According to these points we conclude what lies beneath the surface – the thinking abilities that we must strengthen or develop. These are the buds of change, so to speak, and in them we see a confirmation of the child’s ability to continue to be changed (modified). With the buds of change identified, mediation of them can continue, as does the process of modifying the child’s thinking and propensity to learn.

Based on a summary of Beyond Smarter: Mediated Learning and the Brain's Capacity for Change by Louis H. Falik and Reuven Feuerstein

For more information or to arrange an assessment appointment call the WISDOM office or email da@wisdomhomeschooling.com.

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Conference Details Register Now Presenters Exhibitors Resources Schedule

Register by February 13 for early bird prices! 

We are delighted to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Home Schooling High School & Beyond Conference, themed Ignite Your Potential!

📍 Spruce Grove Alliance Church 250 Century Rd, Spruce Grove
📅 Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, 2026
💵 Early bird prices: $85 per person or $295 per family
💵 After Feburary 13: $100 per person or $350 per family

This two-day conference is designed to inspire, equip, and energize home educated students (ange 12+) and their parents as they navigate the high school years and look ahead to life beyond graduation. 

Friday will focus on discovery, with hands-on breakout sessions and mini-workshops that help students explore interests, strengths, and real-world skills, framed by engaging keynote talks.

Saturday will feature inspiring speakers and rich opportunities to connect with post-secondary institutions, employment pathways, and career inspiration, helping students envision what’s possible and take meaningful next steps.

Last year’s conference filled to a wait list, and we expect the same this year. Space is limited, so we encourage families to register early to avoid disappointment.

Register by February 13 for early bird prices and join us for an unforgettable weekend designed to ignite confidence, curiosity, and purpose. 

We look forward to welcoming you in March!

This workshop is intended to assist students who are preparing for the written portion of the English 30 Diploma exam. Students will learn to decode essay prompts and utilize effective essay formatting. Applicants need to have advanced writing experience.

We cover the two essay types of the written portion of the exam: the Critical/Analytical Response to Literature and the Personal Response. This 6-week program covers each of the 7 scoring categories of the exam to help students achieve the highest possible mark. Students meet for up to 90 minutes, twice a week, with guided writing practice and feedback. Marks for essays and mock-exam in this workshop may be used toward the ELA course challenge mark.

Workshop acceptance based upon application. 

What happens after I apply for: Essay Skills: Write Your Best English 30 Diploma Exam?

Based entirely upon the application essay that you submit, your level of “readiness” will be determined:

• If your essay contains the depth and level of thought necessary for the style of literary analysis, but is missing the length or structure required (or vice versa), you are ready for the Essay Skills workshop. You will be notified of this, and will then receive a welcome email approximately one week before the workshop’s start date containing everything you need for the first class (including a reading assignment). If you have not received the welcome email one week prior to the start date, please email Kathy.
• If your essay is missing both the depth or level of thought AND the length or structure required for the diploma style essay, you are not yet ready to join the workshop. You will be notified of your options that will prepare you for the workshop you applied for, or one at a future date. It may mean you first need some help learning what the diploma requirements are and/or possibly some more practice with that style of writing. If it has been more than 10 days and you have not been contacted, please email Kathy.

This 6-week workshop moves along very quickly, containing lessons to cover all 7 categories of the government rubrics for two assignments. Students must demonstrate readiness in order to succeed, both in the workshop, and on the diploma exam.

Apply for Upcoming Workshops

Note: The workshop is for WISDOM students challenging English 30, so these students are given priority for acceptance to the workshop. Students enrolled outside of The Gilbertine Institute may be accepted at the non-subsidized rate of $450.

Book tutoring

• Initial Consultation hour for WISDOM students is subsidized by WISDOM, and thus free to families.
• Tutoring hours: $65 per hour after Initial Consultation. Option for group tutorials to reduce cost.
• Pay via home education funding or pay CRAMapple Ventures directly.

Student Name *

Student Email Address *

Parent Name *

Parent Email Address *

Preferred Format

1-on-1 1-on-1

2-on-1 2-on-1

Submit

Etiquette Guidelines

All students are asked to abide by the following guidelines and common courtesies. Your agreement to these guidelines each term is required in order for you to continue taking any WISDOM online courses.  Mutual trust and integrity help to make an excellent learning environment.   We want all of our students to have a fruitful and enjoyable experience.

1. Always treat fellow participants with respect and courtesy.
2. Appropriate language and behaviour is expected at all times.
3. Arrive on time, having done your reading or assignment.  If you are unable to complete your reading or assignment, please let your tutor know in advance via e-mail. Extensions on written assignment deadlines must be pre-arranged with your tutor.
4. Let the tutor know in advance if you will be missing a class. It is your responsibility to obtain your next assignment. Please be sure to request your assignment from your tutor in enough time to complete it before your next class.
5. While the class is in session, please do not use the chat box for distracting conversation. Chat box text should pertain to the discussion at hand. Much of the time, students are welcome to visit each other just before class begins or for a short time after class ends.  (In some cases this is not possible due to close scheduling of courses.)
6. Please do not enter the classroom more than 10 minutes prior to class or leave more than 10 minutes after class finishes.  Classes are scheduled close together and new sessions may be starting up immediately after your class finishes.
7. Permission is needed from the program manager in order to use the classroom outside of course sessions.
8. Parents and students should be aware of Internet dangers and concerns.  Please read the email referring to Internet safety and security.  When in the classroom, do not surf the net.  Do not refer other students to outside websites.  Instant messaging/private messaging is not allowed during class time.
9. Regarding Online Writing courses: Every paper or report submitted must be the student’s own work.  Wording should be the student’s own.  Quotes, lectures, Internet sources, books, articles, other writer’s phrases or sentences must be “sourced” or stated.  Assignments must be remitted on time. Late assignments will not be graded unless the tutor has authorized a deadline extension.
10. Do not give out other students’ email addresses out to anyone.
11. If you are experiencing any technical difficulties with the classroom, please contact the online program administrator.
12. If you have any concerns regarding behaviour in the class, please contact the online program administrator.

Students who do not comply will be given one warning by the tutor and will be given opportunity to correct their behaviour.  Second infractions can result in the student being asked to leave the course.

Nicole Noster
Online Program Manager
WISDOM Home Schooling
780-549-4008 nicole@wisdomhomeschooling.com

Alberta Education Resources:

• Alberta Education Home Education Handbook
• Alberta Education: Guide to Education
• Learn Alberta
• Apprenticeship and trade information
• Alberta Education resources for parents (programs of study)
• Alberta Programs of Study (detailed)
• Other Alberta Education resources
• Home Education Regulation

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Please note that all refunds are contingent on available funding. Our finance team will review your submission and will reach out should we require anything else.

WISDOM provides abundant options for home schooling throughout high school, right through to the work force or post-secondary education. Home schooling through high school is an excellent option, even for students who have taken online courses or previously attended a school. In this pursuit of a rich education experience, WISDOM is well known for offering full support to families as students complete high school at home through any one of a wide variety of paths. During visits with high school students, facilitators complete a High School Programs Choices form, which helps the family set concrete goals for high school at home.

Paths students can pursue could include:

• Entering the world of Work
• Apprenticeship
• Entrepreneurship
• Portfolio
• Alberta Education Transcript
• Alberta High School Diploma
• General Education Development
• Or other tests such as entrance exams, SAT’s, ACT’s, or CLT’s.

Whatever a student's path through high school to the world beyond, WISDOM supports parents in choosing the approach best suited to their unique child's gifts, goals, and calling.

Click the buttons below to go directly to your desired page, or scroll down to view or download the High School Information Handbook

• Transcript of High School Marks
• WISDOM Diplomas & Certificates
• WISDOM High School & Beyond Conference 
• High School Events and Courses
• Creating a High School Portfolio
• High School Credential Options
• Pursuing Alberta High School Credits
• Univeristy Partnerships

Want to speak with an experienced WISDOM staff member? Find contact info for our high school advisor and subject specialists here.

Each home education student who successfully completes high school at home will have achieved the Alberta Home Education Regulation’s Schedule of Learning Outcomes at a high school level. This student is then qualified to receive a WISDOM Diploma or a WISDOM Certificate of High School Completion.

The completion of high school can include a variety of elements such as:

• A well-rounded education, tailored to the individual student, assisting them in finding and preparing for their calling and vocation(s)
• A classical approach
• Faith and character formation
• Mentorship and entrepreneurship

Benefits of a WISDOM Diploma or Certificate of High School Completion:

• Indicates completion of High School and readiness to enter the adult world
• Is an official document containing the WISDOM seal
• Accepted by some post-secondary institutions
• Accepted by many employers

Limitations:

• Insufficient evidence for some institutions
• Insufficient for some employers

Achieving the WISDOM Diploma

The WISDOM Diploma is an official document, verified by the facilitator and the associate principal of home education, complete with the WISDOM seal.

Please download the request form below. This form is to be completed by the student along with the parent(s). It is recommended to complete this form throughout the final year of high school rather than doing it all at once. Knowing the expectations of high school achievement in advance will help the student prepare to adequately fulfil all of the learning outcomes throughout high school.

Download Diploma Request Form

Step by step process for achieving the WISDOM Diploma:

1. Student and parent(s) develops portfolio throughout high school and has a completed portfolio available for the facilitator to review at the end of high school. 
2. Download the WISDOM Diploma Request form. In the form, the student enters a brief rationale of how each learning outcome has been met. 
3. When complete, the form is signed by the student and parent(s).
4. Submit the completed request form to your facilitator for review.
5. The facilitator reviews the form and may request a final portfolio review.
6. Upon facilitator verification that learning outcomes were achieved, a WISDOM High School Diploma will be awarded and mailed to the student/parent(s).

Achieving the WISDOM Certificate of High School Completion

The WISDOM Certificate of High School Completion is an official document, verified by the parent(s), complete with the WISDOM seal.

Please download the request form below. This form is to be completed by the parent(s). Knowing the expectations of high school achievement in advance will help the student prepare to adequately fulfil all of the learning outcomes throughout high school.

Download Certificate Request Form

Step by step process for achieving the WISDOM Certificate of High School Completion:

1. Student and parent(s) develops portfolio throughout high school
2. Download the WISDOM Certificate of High School Completion Request Form.
3. The parent(s) verify that each outcome has been met by checking them off on the form and signing it.
4. Submit your completed form to highschool@wisdomhomeschooling.com.
5. Upon receiving the request form, a WISDOM certificate of high school completion will be awarded and mailed to the student/parent(s).

Achieving the Alberta High School Diploma

As an alternative option to the WISDOM Diploma or Certificate of High School Completion, a student pursuing credits through the Alberta Programs of Study has the opportunity to achieve the Alberta High School Diploma. The Alberta Diploma is automatically awarded to a student who has successfully completed the required courses with 100 credits.

Benefits of an Alberta Diploma:

• Access to trade schools and college programs
• You may achieve the diploma while using supplemented home education curriculum

Limitations:

• May not allow direct access to University
• Time spent fulfilling requirements & writing provincial exams

For more information, please visit our information on Pursuing High School Credits.

• Alberta High School Graduation Diploma Requirements
• Home Education Regulation (See section 6 on high school credit eligibility for home education students)